Everything But the Girl to Reissue First Four Albums in May

The eclectic, much-loved British folk/pop/dance duo Everything But the Girl have announced they will reissue their much-loved first four albums in May.

Issued on May 28 by the Edsel label in the UK, the titles are: the classic folk-pop debut Eden (1984), the Smiths-like Love Not Money (1985), the Phil Spector-Meets-Country-Western Baby, The Stars Shine Bright (1986), and the pastoral adult-pop Idlewild (1988).

The first two albums were originally issued in America in significantly altered versions, Eden under the title Everything But the Girl. These reissues will follow the UK track listings, and each will feature a second disc of contemporary singles, B-sides, radio sessions, and demos.

Best-known for their mid-1990s smash “Missing”, Tracy Thorn and Ben Watt established themselves as versatile, thoughtful indie mainstays with these first four albums.

The duo have not released a new album since 1999, with Watt starting the Buzzin’ Fly dance label and Thorn releasing a pair of solo albums. According to the duo’s official website, Thorn is currently at work on a Christmas album.

Here is the video for the Eden-era single “Native Land”. Look out for a certain Smith on harmonica.